BD Launches BD MAX™ System in U.S. to Empower Laboratories and Clinicians to Respond to Emerging Diseases

Baltimore, MD (May 19, 2011) – BD Diagnostics, a segment of BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) (NYSE:BDX), today announced the U.S. launch of the BD MAX™ for use as an open system.

BD MAX is the first and only fully automated, bench-top molecular system designed to perform a broad range of molecular tests. This includes in vitro diagnostic (IVD) assays, but also user-defined protocols and life science research applications. The BD MAX System gives clinical laboratory professionals new ability to help their institutions respond to emerging threats, such as new strains of deadly drug-resistant bacteria or respiratory illnesses.

“Saving a patient’s life often hinges upon clinicians’ access to rapid, accurate and actionable diagnostic information, especially in the case of an emerging infectious disease,” said Tom Polen, President of BD Diagnostics - Diagnostic Systems. “The BD MAX System empowers laboratories to provide this critical information by giving them the capability to automate and standardize their unique protocols on a state-of-the-art platform. We aim for the BD MAX System to become an indispensible tool in the laboratory that is equivalent to a smartphone.”

According to Polen, BD intends a steady stream of announcements regarding agreements with best-in-class IVD assay developers to bring new tests to the BD MAX System for a broad range of disease categories. “When a lab expresses a need to detect a specific organism or emerging disease, we want the BD MAX System to be a solution,” said Polen.

Earlier this month, BD announced the collaboration with Diagenode to develop seven initial assays for the BD MAX System. These assays will include a panel for diagnosing respiratory infections, two panels for diagnosing virus- and parasite-based gastrointestinal infections and a panel for differentially diagnosing meningitis.

The BD MAX System’s open capability, full automation, standardized workflow and planned content-rich menu will enable laboratories to consolidate and standardize a broad range of molecular tests to build programs that meet both their current and future clinical needs.

BD is a leading global medical technology company that develops, manufactures and sells medical devices, instrument systems and reagents. The Company is dedicated to improving people's health throughout the world. BD is focused on improving drug delivery, enhancing the quality and speed of diagnosing infectious diseases and cancers, and advancing research, discovery and production of new drugs and vaccines. BD's capabilities are instrumental in combating many of the world's most pressing diseases. Founded in 1897 and headquartered in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, BD employs approximately 29,000 associates in more than 50 countries throughout the world. The Company serves healthcare institutions, life science researchers, clinical laboratories, the pharmaceutical industry and the general public. For more information, please visit www.bd.com

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